Robert Figuroa

Before coming to Grandview, I lived in an alley in Los Angeles. I had lost all contact with my family, I was in and out of the system, and nothing in my life was stable or consistent. I was lost, confused, and without hope. I had tried to get clean on my own free will, but that would last about two weeks. I didn’t know that there were treatment places for people without insurance, and I had no idea what Medi-Cal was, but someone I knew suggested that I call Grandview as it 

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had helped them get sober. I called for about two weeks and finally got a call from Grandview’s intake to come in for an assessment. When I walked through the front door, I felt scared; I was scared that my life was going to change, and I didn’t know what to expect. I had never been to treatment before, so the unknown was terrifying. I’ve not looked back one time since that first day – my life is worth living! I’ve stayed close to the fellowship that I found at Grandview. I can talk to my house manager, who gives me guidance and shares his experience, offering me a second opinion on how to address things and deal with things that I have concerns about, for example triggers at work that cause me stress. He told me to be myself and “to stay in my own lane.” I’ve also started going to church weekly and find peace and guidance by going. I’ve started meditating in the mornings, and I am focusing on becoming a better person.

My life has meaning. I’m able to process things and think twice before I act. I’m confident, I’m responsible. I have a car payment, car insurance and I pay rent. I was hired in September of 2023 to be an apprentice in the meat department at Stater Bros. and I just learned that they are paying to send me to school to become a USDA Certified Butcher! This is the first job I’ve ever had where I’ve stayed, and it’s paying off! I feel as though I have a sustainable trade, a career.

Most importantly, my family likes me and I’m welcomed and trusted. I’m back in my son’s life, he actually asks me for advice! I have three grandchildren who adore me and can’t wait to spend time with me. My relationship with my Dad is wonderful, I get to sit with him and have meaningful and intimate conversations. When I first got out of treatment he couldn’t even look at me, he was expecting the same BS. He recently told me that he’s proud of the man I’ve become – I’m truly blown away by the love I get from my family, I don’t know how to put it into words but it’s truly the greatest reward of recovery.

My future looks hopeful. I never imagined that I would go back to school, but I’m going to have a trade. I’m going to be able to see my grandchildren grow up, something that was not possible with drugs and alcohol.

What I would tell the men walking through the front doors of Grandview, entering treatment, is to pay attention and to learn from other peoples mistakes who’ve been through program. To take everything Grandview has to offer and to just take things as they come, to take advice and suggestions, to keep an open mind. I’m still afraid, I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that whatever comes my way I can handle it if I’m sober.

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